Shekhar Kapur recently took to Instagram to reflect on the evolution of filmmaking, particularly as he prepares to develop Masoom - The Next Generation. He shared a nostalgic post featuring a throwback photo of Jugal Hansraj from his acclaimed debut film, Masoom.
In his message, Shekhar pondered, "Has the essence of filmmaking shifted away from its original purity? When I made Masoom, I was completely inexperienced—I hadn't studied film, trained, or worked as an assistant. At that time, no one questioned my methods except for my editors and creative team. The film was born out of sheer instinct and emotional storytelling, infused with the same innocence reflected in Jugal Hansraj’s role."
He continued, "Creating a film is about discovering emotional truths during its formation. It's not a mechanical process; it’s an art born from genuine emotion and the combined experiences of everyone involved—the actors, the director. Films that endure and still move audiences across generations are those crafted with humility and an acceptance of not having all the answers. It’s this heartfelt approach that leads to timeless cinema."
As he embarks on the next chapter of the Masoom legacy, the director expressed a deep desire to maintain his creative and emotional authenticity. He sought the audience’s support, hoping to retain his humility and emotional openness despite the modern filmmaking trends that might overshadow these qualities. Shekhar observed that contemporary filmmaking often leans towards ‘mind instinct’ rather than heartfelt storytelling, and he hopes to stay true to the emotional depth that connects with audiences.
Masoom, released in 1983, is an adaptation of Erich Segal’s 1980 novel Man, Woman, and Child. The film features Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi in leading roles, supported by Tanuja, Supriya Pathak, Saeed Jaffrey, and child actors Jugal Hansraj, Aradhana, and Urmila Matondkar.